Getting to Know Head of Upper School Alex Wellman

Recently, we had the opportunity to meet and interview Alex Wellman who joined us as Head of Upper School in July.

What drew you to Country School?
Aside from a longstanding awareness of and respect for the quality of education that Country School provides, the people drew me here.
Through my work at Greens Farms Academy in admissions, the English classroom, and as a dean, I have gotten to know quite a few Country School alums over the years, and I’ve always been impressed by them. To me, that’s a direct reflection of the good work being done by Country School’s faculty and families. And because of those efforts, there are so many wonderful things about this school and the learning environment it fosters. While there is certainly emphasis placed on academic rigor, it’s equally clear that the adults in this community care deeply about nurturing the whole child.
 
What are your first impressions?
During my interview days and subsequent visits to campus, I got to see Country School through a variety of lenses. Whether I was watching a basketball game, sitting in on a class, or chatting with students, faculty, and parents, I always saw a community of individuals committed to one another’s success and who take great pride in their school. Even though it’s now summer and things are quiet (I mean that loosely – from the learning happening in the Horizons classrooms to the construction, campus is abuzz with exciting activity!) that crucial part of Country School’s culture is just as palpable. I feel it in my exchanges with colleagues, the conversations I’ve had so far with families, and everything that’s being done behind the scenes here in anticipation of making the upcoming school year a great one for our students. There’s a cheerful spirit of collaboration in all that’s going on, and I’m as excited as I am humbled to be part of it all.
 
What skills do students in Grades 7-9 most need?
As much as 7th-9th graders need an education that gives them the academic nuts and bolts necessary for success in high school and beyond, I think it’s equally important for them to appreciate being in the moment and learning from what it has to teach, even if – and perhaps especially when – the lesson isn’t an easy one. I think recognizing the importance of seeking that balance is one of the most essential components of childhood. That’s why I’m a big fan of the Mission Skills – they’re an embodiment of how daily habits of mind and action can contribute to future success. Make no mistake, I’m the first to say that having an idea of what you want to accomplish in the future is important; at the same time, I firmly believe that being your best self today is what will help you shape and pursue tomorrow’s goals.
 
How would students and colleagues at GFA describe you?
Student-centered, creative, enthusiastic, and energetic. I’d like to think that they’d also say I’m a collaborator who enjoys both being on a learning curve and leading others through new kinds of intellectual challenges.
 
What are you most looking forward to this coming year?
Getting to know everybody, especially the students, and getting to see the community in action on a day-to-day basis!
 
What are your passions outside of work?
I love reading, writing, cooking, and going for long runs. I love the first two because stories and storytelling have always been important to me, thanks by and large to my parents who, regardless of how busy they were, always took time to read to me each night as a kid. Cooking makes the list because as much as some of it is rule based, the opportunity to flex your creativity is unparalleled. And running is something I do to clear my head and get outdoors.
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New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.